South Korea’s first online-only bank K Bank opened more than 60,000 accounts on its first day in business on Monday, according to the bank formed by a consortium of KT Corp., Woori Bank and 19 other companies.
The first-day performance overwhelmed 12,000 monthly average of electronic account openings at 16 brick-and-mortar banks. K Bank issued a total 53,960 debit cards and extended 4,123 loans. Applicants surged at after-work night time for the around-the-clock bank.
Unlike traditional banks, the online bank is open around the clock and year. Loans can be taken out through fingerprint and simple password identification. It offers rates more favorable than brick-and-mortar banks as it saves in labor and infrastructure cost.
The second online bank Kakao Bank led by the country’s largest messaging app operator Kakao Corp., will start business in June.
By Chung Ji-sung
[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business News Korea & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]